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Center City Council approves fee-schedule change, event permit and transfers lodging-tax collection to state
Summary
At its March 3 meeting, the Center City Council approved Ordinance 2025-03-03 with one removed change, approved a Timewalk event permit and a Bayview raingarden repair RFP, and voted to transfer lodging-tax collection to the State of Minnesota.
The Center City Council on March 3 approved a series of administrative and permitting items, including a revision to the city fee schedule, an event permit for a two-day production, approval of a raingarden repair request for proposal and a decision to turn lodging-tax collection over to the State of Minnesota.
Councilmember Mark Wolcott moved to adopt Ordinance 2025-03-03, which amends the Center City fee schedule; the council approved the ordinance after removing a proposed change to the park dedication fee. Wolcott noted the stormwater drainage fee, charged by Residential Equivalent Factor (REF), "may need review." The motion carried, ayes 4, nays 0.
The council approved a request-for-proposal from the Chisago County HRA-EDA for repair of the Bayview raingarden while asking staff to prepare a second proposal that spells out highlighted exclusions, including long-term maintenance and restoration seedings. Councilmember Garrett Boulineau moved to approve the RFP; Councilmember Sally Swanson seconded the motion, which carried 4-0.
The council also approved a Timewalk Production event permit for Sept. 25–26, a two-day event with outdoor music and vendors on Summit Avenue. Applicant Ben Hieronymus acknowledged concerns raised by a nearby salon owner and agreed to work with local businesses; Councilmember Mark Wolcott moved to approve the permit with that understanding and Councilmember Sally Swanson seconded. The motion carried, ayes 4, nays 0.
On lodging-tax collection, Mayor Jill Behnke summarized issues cities have faced collecting the tax from short-term rentals. Lisa Maraschiello of the Visitor's Bureau told the council, "Turning the collection over to the State will take the burden off of city staff, and the State can enforce compliance in ways that the City cannot." Councilmember Mark Wolcott moved to transfer lodging-tax collection to the State of Minnesota; Councilmember Garrett Boulineau seconded the motion and it carried 4-0.
Other routine items were handled under the consent agenda. The meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
Votes at a glance: Consent agenda approved (ayes 4-0); Bayview raingarden RFP approved (ayes 4-0); Timewalk Production permit approved (ayes 4-0); Ordinance 2025-03-03 approved with removal of park dedication fee change (ayes 4-0); lodging-tax collection turned over to the State (ayes 4-0).
